Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions not answered on this page, please contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions.

What is the Honors Program?

The Honors Program at UMD is part of the state-wide Commonwealth Honors Scholars Program. Students who graduate from the Honors Program receive special recognition on their transcripts, diplomas, the graduation program, and at Honors Convocation. Graduating from the Honors Program is a wonderful way to prepare for graduate school or to set oneself apart for potential future employers. It is a great accomplishment for your resume, whether you are applying for a job, medical school, law school, or graduate school.

How many credits do I need to graduate as a Commonwealth Honors Program Scholar?

You need a total of 18 credits to graduate in the Honors Program. You earn 15 of these credits by taking special honors courses (5 total). The remaining 3 credits will come from your Honors Thesis, usually completed in your Junior or Senior Year. You may also earn Honors credits by participating in a study abroad.

What are the Honors Thesis Guidelines?

Where is the Honors Center located?

The Honors Center is located in Room 212 on the 2nd floor of the Library in the Scholarly Commons. The Honors Center has a meeting space for discussions, lectures, and presentations, and it has a study area for Honors students.

What makes a course an Honors course?

Honors courses are taught by our highly qualified Honors instructors. Honors courses have much smaller class sizes than regular courses, and generally involve more interaction between students and instructors. Honors courses offer innovative teaching and course enhancements. Honors courses are also highly intellectually stimulating and create a unique environment for maximum learning.

For more information on these guidelines and/or the Honors Contract form, visit the Thesis Guidelines page.

Are Honors courses graded differently than regular courses?

No, Honors courses are not graded any differently from regular courses.

Are Honors courses weighted differently in my GPA?

No, Honors courses are weighted just like any other course in terms of your overall GPA. However, honors courses are specially marked on your college transcript as "Honors courses."

What is Honors Convocation?

Honors Convocation is held every year towards the end of the spring semester. It is a highly prestigious ceremony at which parents, faculty, and the administration gather to celebrate and honor students receiving university-wide awards. The ceremony culminates with the presentation of golden stoles to those students who will graduate as Commonwealth Scholars.

What opportunities are there for me to present my work?

Students who are interested in presenting and sharing their work can participate in the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in the fall or the Massachusetts Statewide Undergraduate Honors Conference in the spring.

Are there opportunities for me to meet and interact with other Honors students?

Definitely! In addition to many scheduled Honors social activities and the study room for students in the Honors Center, the Honors Program also has a Facebook page where you can meet and chat with other students in the Honors Program. Like our Facebook program page to keep up with the latest events and discussions, and to keep track of announcements.